The church of Jesus is a wonderful place, a "holy nation", a new society with its own culture.
In this culture the natural family has a vital part to play in displaying the reign of Jesus on earth through "New Creation".
Married and family life has a central place as a pillar of stable society. But in society today, we see that it has become weakened, often due to the pressures of modern life. These trends make it difficult for men and women to have successful marriage relationships and the stable family life that God intended. Many marriages are breaking down and the basic skills of parenthood are being lost.
Christians are not immune to these pressures, but even where marriages are stable, there is a tendency for husbands and wives to lose their zeal for Christ and settle down, and to get bogged down in worldly cares. But God wants to keep us young in spirit and exciting! God calls us to unite with His Spirit!
Jesus first
In the Jesus Fellowship we have much to thank God for in giving us a balanced vision in which committed celibacy and marriage both have their place. Neither find true and full expression without the other and both are needed in harmony to build the church. (See Hot Topics No. 9)
Succesful marriage and celibacy both depend on a commitment to follow God, and to "Seek first His Kingdom." We see marriage as a covenant relationship, first with Jesus and the Church-Community, then with one another. It is a covenant of life-time loyalty.
Husbands find holy manliness
In the Jesus Fellowship we find that God is restoring family life. Husbands and wives are finding new life by "walking together in the Spirit" and accepting God's instructions for marriage. Children are finding security in the love and authority of parents and church.
God intends husbands to carry the main authority in marriage and parenthood and to lead in godliness. But they must move in the love of Christ!
As husbands take their place in God, they lose their wimpishness, their passive selfish indifference and any overbearing dictatorial stubbornness. They find a holy manliness and carry vision, determination and motivation with meekness and compassion.
Wives can trust a godly man. Any bossiness, sentimentality, manipulation and small mindedness is surrendered to the "blood of Jesus" and husbands and wives love one another with respect for one another in a faithful relationship. Taking upon their hearts the vows they made on their wedding day "...for better, for worse..." they walk with God and work things out together.
Young disciples
In the unity, warmth and love of the full church 'family', individual families find their home, with no selfish isolation or unhelpful independence. Children gain a wide range of strong relationships. Through godly instruction and training most of our children give their lives to the Lord as they grow older. They become His disciples, are baptised and join in the work of building His church.
Sacrifices for Jesus
In the "new society" of the church where Jesus is King, the fire of the Jesus Movement is burning. Family life is part of this Movement! A new zeal to serve God is rising! Husbands and wives want to make sacrifices for the sake of Jesus.
Husbands are called to positions of responsibility in the church, to seek the lost and to build the church. Wives are anointed with grace and life and they too take their place in building up the church. Children and young people meet Jesus and become enthusiastic for His cause.
Warm and welcoming
Strong wholesome families can take their place in the church and minister effectively. Many of them find a particular place in our Christian community houses (See Hot Topics No. 7). They are able to offer a welcoming warmth and bring healing and the love of Jesus to many.
The Jesus Movement is active among many of the homeless young people on the streets and others who are the 'outcasts' of today's society. Many of the youngsters turning to Jesus have a background of 'care' or a broken family, often with a history of physical or sexual abuse. 'On fire' families have a bigger and bigger part to play in bringing the love of Jesus to them.
Bring your family and join the great adventure! The Jesus Movement! It's great to be married for Jesus!
Married for Jesus
